Remembering

The fundamental teaching of yoga is that we are all one. And the yoga practices we engage in are meant to help lift the veil of illusion, maya, so that we may truly see that everything is indeed connected and an individual expression of source. From the moment we are born we forget this fundamental truth and this is the cause of our suffering. That we feel separate. That we feel different. That we feel alone.

Our sense of separateness creates attachments and aversions. We cling to our egos and focus on differences in all that we see and experience. This becomes the root of conflict – between individuals, communities and even nations.

On this day of remembrance, I hold the Sanskrit prayer, Lokah Samastha Sukhino Bhavanto, close to my heart. It says: May all beings everywhere be happy and free. And may the thoughts and actions of my life help contribute to the happiness and freedom for everyone.

I take the time to look at each person I meet and soften so I can really see them. To see beyond the outer differences and into that which makes us the same. Into our common humanity. To acknowledge that we are so much more the same than we could ever be different. To remove the veil and return to essence. To remember.